If only the aftermath of disasters went away as quickly as the mainstream media coverage seems to dissipate. By the looks of the news, now filled with illicit affairs and seceding states, one might guess that all the sand has been cleared and the houses magically rebuilt following the grandma of all superstorms, Sandy. But alas, it's still a mess out there and victims of the devastation remain very much in need of help.

Many of us have texted our donations to charity or may have even bought something for the fictitious Mr. and Mrs. Sandy via the Amazon wedding registry set up by Occupy Sandy, but here's another way to help: Go shopping. The purchase of any of these sustainably-minded products (for yourself or as the perfect holiday gift) will include some form of donation from the company to Sandy relief.

1. EmerginC

EmerginC offers a full line of active beauty products comprised of botanicals and fruit acids, which are paraben-free, as well as free of artificial colors and fragrances. They use predominantly naturally-sourced ingredients and never test on animals or use animal ingredients.

Bonus points for product boxes printed on Forest Stewardship Council and Sustainable Forestry Initiative certified paperboard, printed with non-toxic vegetable-based inks -- and for being a compact signer at safecosmetics.org. (EmerginC: 10 percent of all online sales to Occupy Sandy.)

2. Priti NYC

The innovative leader in luxury and eco-friendly nail polish describes their mission as such: To support organic farmers and to decrease the amount of chemicals poisoning the earth -- and it’s inhabitants - one manicure at a time. Amen, sisters! (Priti NYC: 10 percent discount plus 10 percent of sales benefitting the American Red Cross. Use the code "HURRICANERELIEF" at checkout.)

3. Lord & Taylor

Facebook/Screen capture

This is an easy one, and doesn't even require actual shopping. (How green is that?!) Head to the Lord & Taylor Facebook page and hit "like" -- for every "like" the department store will donate $1 to the New York Red Cross. (Lord & Taylor Facebook page)

4. Joan Hornig Jewelry

This indie NYC designer is known for promoting philanthropy in all of her efforts. Not the least of which is offering 100 percent of the proceeds of her very cute and poignant sterling silver "Build Up The Giving" necklace to the hurricane relief organization of your choice.

5. Voltaic Emergency Portable Power Kit

The solar-powered emergency kit from Voltaic generates power to run a light and charge a cell phone -- it's the kind of thing no home should be without. The New York based company has been out in the hard hit areas delivering these kits, and have initiated a "buy one give one" program -- for every kit purchased, they'll donate one to victims of Sandy. (Voltaic Emergency Portable Power Kit: Price reduction from $90 to $55, buy one - give one.)